We love working with schools! Our curriculum focuses on science, environmental education, and conservation. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and how their decisions and actions affect it. Curriculum can be adapted for different age groups and learning styles. Some programs can be done at your school, while others require a field trip to a local park. Fostering the next generation of naturalists is important, so we are happy to design a unique experience for your students. Since we are an educational non-profit, we are open to collaborating for grant opportunities. Email Julie@wildyou.org to learn more!
THE WORLD AROUND US
Sensing Nature (Preschool): This program encourages children to explore nature with their five senses. They will learn about different animal senses while paying special attention to their own
sensory development.
Seasons Change: Spring or Fall (Preschool-K): This program teaches young children about the four seasons and the changes that occur with plants and animals. This is a seasonal program with a special focus on spring or fall.
Wildlife Detectives (1st – 3rd): Children will become nature detectives and uncover the mysteries of Ohio wildlife by exploring the clues they leave behind. They will put their observation skills to the test through an engaging activity, followed by the option of a brief hike or a craft focused on animal tracking.
Habitat Hangout (1st – 3rd): This program is an introduction to the concept of habitats and the necessary resources for an animal’s survival(food, water, shelter, space).
The Water Cycle (3rd – 6th): Students will explore the different stages of the water cycle and the never-ending journey water takes on our planet. This program includes an interactive activity in which students create a bracelet that represents their journey through the water cycle. It also emphasizes the importance of water conservation and outlines effective methods for protecting the planet’s water resources.
Wildlife of Ohio (4th – 8th): This program introduces Ohio’s natural history and the human impacts on wildlife and the land over the last 200 years. Students will learn how federal laws and regulations
helped some Ohio species recover from extirpation and how some are extinct and gone
forever.
Wetland Metaphors (3rd – 8th): Wetlands are the earth’s kidneys and full of biodiversity. Students will describe the characteristics of wetland habitats and evaluate the importance of wetlands to wildlife and humans.
Geocaching Part 1 (3rd – 8th): Geocaching is a real world outdoor scavenger hunt for people
of all ages. Students will have a chance to learn how to use the app to access clues and
coordinates that help them find hidden caches.
Geocaching Part 2 (3rd – 8th): Students will create their own geocaches and hide them for
other geocachers to find. Check out geocaching.com for more information.
Biodiversity Basics (6th – 8th): This program introduces biodiversity and why it is so important. Students will explore how a variety of species, genetics, and ecosystems equals strength. This session also includes a
special look at the acronym HIPPO (habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, population, and overconsumption).
Stream Quality Monitoring (5th -10th): Did you know that you can tell how clean a stream is by what’s living in it? Students will conduct a stream survey using a biotic index to assess the water quality of a local stream. They will learn how environmental stressors affect macro-invertebrate populations and relate the concept of biodiversity to the health of aquatic ecosystems.
iNaturalist (6th – 12th): Citizen science is the involvement of the public in scientific research.
Students will learn about citizen science and why it is important. They will be able to observe and document wildlife by taking pictures and reporting what they find in the iNaturalist App. This data helps professional scientists understand and solve environmental problems.
ANIMALS
Nature in Winter (K – 2nd): This program will explain how nature changes and survives the
winter months. Children will explore how animals adapt by hibernating, migrating or staying active for the cold season.
Turtle Power (Preschool – 3rd): Students will explore and discuss native Ohio turtles. Experiences include a focus on reptiles and a hands-on opportunity with live turtles.
Turtle Hurdles (3rd – 8th): Students will describe the lifecycle of sea turtles, identify specific mortality factors and make inferences about the limiting factors that affect their survival. They will also make recommendations to minimize the threats that might lead to the extinction of sea turtles.
Bird Beak Buffet (1st – 6th): Students will learn about the special functions of bird beaks. They will
investigate bird adaptations through comparison of their diet and how their beaks are perfect for what they eat.
Bird is the Word (1st – 6th): Kids will explore the most commonly seen songbirds of Ohio. Activities include
making bird feeders, hand feeding chickadees, bird viewing with binoculars, bird calls, bird bingo and building your own nest.
Owls Part 1 (4th – 8th): Children will dissect and analyze owl pellets. They will reconstruct the skeletons of prey animals to see what owls eat and learn about the trophic levels in the food chain.
Owls Part 2 (4th – 8th): Students will have a special chance to meet a live owl (from Birds in Flight Sanctuary) and learn about the adaptations that make them great predators.
The Truth About Wolves (6th – 12th): Wolves are an important keystone species. Their presence is vital to the balance of everything in the ecosystem including animals, plants and water. Students will learn the truth about the common misconceptions and myths surrounding wolves.
INSECTS
Honey Bees (PreK – 8th): Students will learn about honey bee biology, including their adaptations as pollinators, the various types of honey bees within a colony, and their life cycle. This session will also cover pollination and its vital role in our ecosystem. We can provide honey for tasting and a live observation hive for the children to safely observe the bees up close and look for the queen (available seasonally).
Monarch Marathon (Preschool – 6th): Kids will take a special look at the life cycle and migration of monarch
butterflies. They will learn about their metamorphosis, host plant (milkweed), and the limiting factors affecting monarch survival.
Minibeasts (1st – 6th): This program introduces students to the fascinating world of insects, arachnids, and other small, often misunderstood creatures. Students will learn about vertebrates and invertebrates, focusing on their common characteristics as well as what distinguishes them from one another. Activities will include looking under logs and sweeping fields with nets to identify the various organisms they discover.
PLANTS
Pollinator Plants (4th – 8th): One way you can help pollinators is by creating a habitat oasis or
pollinator garden. Children will take a special look at what plant species pollinators rely on
for food and reproduction. Be a change for good and learn what you could plant in your
yard for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Wildflowers (2nd – 7th): Seasonal/April-May: Students will have a chance to explore and discuss local native wildflowers. They will gain an understanding of pollination and its importance through fun activities.
Trees Please (4th – 8th): Students will learn all about trees and why they are important. This
program takes a special look at the products we get from trees, photosynthesis, and how to
identify species using a dichotomous key.